Hundreds of Coloradans hospitalized with flu as numbers explode into record territory
Colorado Public Radio••general
Key Points:
- Colorado is experiencing an unprecedented surge in influenza hospitalizations, with nearly 800 flu patients currently hospitalized—12 times the number from mid-November and surpassing last season's peak by almost 300 cases.
- The flu season began about four weeks earlier than usual, leading to increased cases and hospitalizations, especially among children, with complications such as pneumonia and respiratory distress becoming more common.
- Despite the severity of the outbreak, only 27% of Coloradans have received the flu vaccine this season, with particularly low vaccination rates among vulnerable groups and Hispanic communities.
- Health officials emphasize that the current flu vaccine remains effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalizations, urging people to get vaccinated and follow everyday precautions like handwashing and staying home when sick
